Pages

Dec 8, 2017

The magical adventure begun in The Bear and the Nightingale
continues as brave Vasya, now a young woman, is forced to choose
between marriage or life in a convent and instead flees her home—but
soon finds herself called upon to help defend the city of Moscow when it
comes under siege.

Orphaned and cast out as a witch by her
village, Vasya’s options are few: resign herself to life in a convent,
or allow her older sister to make her a match with a Moscovite prince.
Both doom her to life in a tower, cut off from the vast world she longs
to explore. So instead she chooses adventure, disguising herself as a
boy and riding her horse into the woods. When a battle with some bandits
who have been terrorizing the countryside earns her the admiration of
the Grand Prince of Moscow, she must carefully guard the secret of her
gender to remain in his good graces—even as she realizes his kingdom is
under threat from mysterious forces only she will be able to stop.

* * * * *

When I read The Bear and the Nightingale, I fell absolutely in love with this Russian fairy tale and Ms. Arden's writing. I really didn't think that she would be able to top that first book. Boy was I very happily wrong.

I was immediately swept back in time to medieval Rus when Christianity was replacing earlier pagan beliefs. Vasya is a wild and free maiden who was never meant to fit into the narrow confines that women were shoved into. Instead she decides to ride away on her horse and find adventure. And does she ever.

Again Vasya's character really spoke to me. She refused to compromise and get married as proper young girls should. Instead she masquerades as a boy, saves some children and comes to the attention of the Grand Prince of Moscow. As long as her disguise held, she was happy but all good things come to an end. She is found out and to save her family, she agrees to marry. She has such a good heart and love is really her guiding light.

I very highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fairy tales. It is perfect for readers of all ages though there is violence as there is in any good tale. This book will grab you from very first page all the way through to the satisfying conclusion.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Dec 5, 2017

A bawdy and fun Steampunk adventure, Poison and Mercy is an alternative history Steampunk spoof that evokes the underground erotica of the Victorian era. Mirroring
the debauchery of London’s late 19th century Holywell Street and its
outlawed printing presses, Poison and Mercy is a delightfully witty
send-up with a fast-paced action-adventure story and characters that
readers can’t help but root for.

It's 1885, and the people of
London suffer under clouds of acid while the Thames burns; nothing has
been seen or heard from within the borders of an increasingly
belligerent Germany for several years; the Mediterranean is plagued by
the Corsair Queens and their fleet of pirate airships; and a dastardly
foreign plot to take control of the British Empire is afoot.

Who can save the day?

Poison
and Mercy d’Avalon, a pair of notorious adventuresses with a talent for
the amoral and profitable sidelines in extortion, assassination, and
every other vice imaginable (as well as quite a few others for good
measure), are hired to eliminate a blackmail threat to a Very Important
Person. It is task that seems simple enough, but it is one that is soon
complicated by murder and the machinations of an implacable and
remorseless enemy. Poison and Mercy must endure one scandalous episode
after another as their travels take them from London to Berlin to Cairo,
and finally to a hidden pit of corruption buried beneath the blazing
heart of the Empire’s capital.

Imprisoned and stripped (on several occasions). Abandoned and enslaved in the desert. Forced to endure an evening of music-hall comedy.

How
long can two English roses be denied access to the best shops and
restaurants before they start to sharpen their thorns and set about
taking their revenge? Not very, apparently.

* * * * *

What a delightful read! I really reminds me of the Penny Dreadfuls that one could find at news stands in an earlier time. Gentle Ladies have the opportunity to follow the misadventures of Poison and Mercy as they attempt to rescue the Prince from the clutches of those evil Germans.

This is not a tale to take seriously but if one is willing to suspend disbelief and not adverse to a little (okay a lot) sex, this is one fun read. Mercy is a rather uncomplicated woman who just happens to love sex and knows that she is the best in her chosen avocation. Poison is much more complicated and is definitely the brains of the operation.

I do recommend this book to my readers who enjoy steampunk and penny dreadfuls. I am really hoping that this is the start of a series about their adventures.

***"I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.

Nov 24, 2017

Fawn Callaghan has
kissed one too many toads and has finally decided that Prince Charming
doesn’t exist. After countless mishaps, mistakes, and unmitigated
disasters on the dating scene, she’s decided to give up and move on with
her life…solo.

Everything changes, however, after Fawn runs into Levi Fremont, a homicide detective new to New York City.

Dedication
to the job has rendered Levi’s love life nonexistent—until he moves in
next door to the free-spirited Fawn. After a series of comedic run-ins
push them together, will they finally give in to the inevitable and
realize—maybe—they are perfect for each other?

* * * * *

This book was definitely not for me. In my opinion, Levi is everyone's worst nightmare of a man. Even though Fawn attempts to avoid him, he hunts her down calling her demeaning names like Baby. He's pretty much the definition of a stalker even though he wears a badge. And his thoughts about owning her...shudder...

Fawn was nice enough but just the fact that she lets Levi get away with that stuff and still gets together with him causes me to wonder if she needs help with her self worth.

As you can tell,this isn't a book that I would recommend to my readers. This book stunned me with all the things that Levi pulls and manages to get away with. Personally I would have called his captain.

When raven shifter Riley
Porter was given sanctuary by the Phoenix Pack, she let them believe
she had left her flock. Reluctant to divulge the secrets of her past,
she was still embraced as family. Only Tao Lukas, the protective and
passionate Head Enforcer of the pack, was resistant to the enigmatic
shifter. Until Riley started to arouse in him something other than
suspicion.

Tao doesn’t trust lone shifters, especially ones so
guarded—and tempting. But the sexual tension between them is making them
both come undone, and vulnerable to more than desire. All Tao wants is
for Riley to stay with him and to trust him with the truth of her past.

As
Riley’s mysteries come to light, so does a danger that threatens not
only her life but the safety of the entire pack. For Tao, keeping Riley
safe means keeping her close—forever—as his mate.

* * * * *

Riley has always been one of my favorite characters in this series so I was rather happy to see that she was finally getting her book and her love. While she opens her heart freely to the children, she is rather prickly with any adult that tries to get close to her. Riley figures that if she doesn't let anyone close than they won't be able to hurt or desert her like she feels her parents did. She didn't count on Tao's ability to sneak his way in.

Tao is blunt and totally undiplomatic. And he doesn't like anyone who might bring danger to his pack. However after watching Riley for a while, he has decided that she doesn't fit into that category but knows that if he lets Riley know that he has changed his mind, she will fly to the hills.

What a great book! One thing that I really like about this series is how it will highlight one or two of the pack while still giving the readers a chance to check up on the rest. FIERCE OBSESSIONS stands very nicely on its own but I do recommend starting this series from the very beginning so that you are able to get the inside story on the rest.

I do recommend this book to any of my readers who enjoy paranormal romance. I do want to give a warning however that it does contain a lot of sex and violence so might not be appropriate for all readers.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Nov 14, 2017

SEDUCED BY PAINAt
night I’m June, dominating with the whip, even as I crave the hot,
searing blow of the cane, myself. I loathe this side of who I am, but I
can’t deny it or escape it. And as my clients cry out for me, begging
for mercy, I can't help but want June dead.

By day, I’m Alex
Ryan, the good, successful Southern woman everyone thinks I am. I’ve
compartmentalized my life to make it bearable, and to get what I want
most: revenge. I can have a future with June dead, as soon as I confront
the man that terrorized my past.

SAVED BY SINCade Brannon is
the local gun for hire, part of the seedy underworld of Dallas, but he
may also be my savior. I want his help and he wants me. But Cade refuses
to play by my rules and is forcing his way into every one of those
compartments that I want to lock away. Now the parts of my life I’ve
fought so hard to keep separate are bleeding together and it’s tearing
me apart.

I just want to go back to being Alex Ryan. But at what cost am I willing to kill June?

* * * * *

I very much enjoy reading dark fantasy but when I started this book, my first thought was that this book was way too dark for my tastes. But then I got to know Alex. I started to care for her and the different parts of her personality and I wanted to see her accepting all the aspects of herself.

And then there was Cade. He saw all of Alex and accepted her. He tried to put her back together. His line of work might be dark but at his core, Cade is a very good man.

I do recommend KILLING JUNE to my readers but be warned it is a very dark love story complete with BSDM, drugs and other violence. If that doesn't phase you than this is a very good book. A story of redemption that is well worth reading.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Nov 13, 2017

On the second
anniversary of her husband’s suicide, Colby Cabot-Baxter is ready to let
go of her grief and the mistakes made during her turbulent marriage.
Her fresh start comes in the form of A CertainTea, the restaurant she’s
set to open along Lake Sandy, Oregon, with help from her family. But
when her executive chef quits just weeks before the grand opening, Colby
is pressured to hire old family friend Alec Morgan. His award-winning
reputation could generate buzz, but their friendship has withered since
her husband’s reckless dare cost Alec’s brother his life.

Distracted
by guilty secrets concerning the tragedy that changed his and Colby’s
lives, Alec self-destructed and lost his famed restaurant. With his
career in tatters, he’s determined to use this opportunity to redeem his
reputation and to help the woman he’s loved from afar find happiness
again.

But secrets have a way of coming out. When Alec’s do, they might destroy the new life he and Colby have rebuilt together.

* * * * *

I want to say first off that I am a sucker for books set in a location that I am familiar with though I tend to be pickier as the author also has to have a good handle on the streets and even the general attitudes of the people living there. Ms. Beck did a fabulous job with portraying Portland and the surrounding towns. Her descriptions of the sunsets are enough to bring me back to the time I spent living there.

I find that second chance contemporary romances really satisfy my need to believe that there is someone for everyone and you don't have to find that person on the first try. Colby and Alec have a long history as friends but some deaths have put their families on the outs. Regardless, Alec finds that he is still in love with Colby but they both have a lot of baggage to work through. I found myself cheering both of them on as they struggle to find the right note so that their changed relationship will be able to grow stronger.

I really enjoyed BEFORE I KNEW. The story and the characters engrossed me and made me believe in happy ever afters do come about with a little work. I would recommend this book to my readers who enjoy contemporary romance. There is some sex in this book but nothing explicit so all ages could enjoy the story.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Nov 10, 2017

To set him free from an ancient curse, she must travel to a time of myth and legend…

Regan
MacCarthy’s ability to see ghosts is a gift inherited from her Irish
ancestors, but it’s one she’d dearly like to give back. In an attempt to
return her powers to their source, she travels to Ireland to harness
the ancient magic that still permeates the mystical site of Newgrange.
Instead, something far more unexpected awaits her: a strapping, gorgeous
stranger who insists he’s a centuries-old Celtic warrior.Fáelán was one of Fionn MacCumhaill’s elite soldiers before being cursed by a
resentful fae princess. The only way to free himself is to fall so
deeply in love that he’d sacrifice his life. Not an easy matter when
he’s invisible to most. Yet Regan sees him—not just the proud, handsome
warrior on the surface, but the complex man beneath. Only when it’s too
late does Fáelán realize that drawing this beautiful mortal into his
world has endangered them both, and may destroy the happiness he’s
waited an eternity to claim…

* * * * *

I have been a sucker for a good time travel romance ever since I read Outlander back in the 90s. That being said, the bar was also set high due to that book and series, and I have read more than few duds. I am so happy to say that TANGLED IN TIME is far from a dud.

I immediately related to Regan from the very first chapter and that feeling just grew stronger throughout the book. Her thoughts and comments about her 'boasty ghosty' were both amusing and rather hot at others. I found myself cheering her and Fáelán on as their relationship deepened.

Now Fáelán has me wondering how I could find muyself on of Fionn's elite. He is well spoken, very disciplined and oh so hot. When I learned of his curse, I was crossing my fingers that it could be broken easily but we all know how that goes.

I highly recommend TANGLED IN TIME to any of my readers who enjoy time travel romances especially ones with a bit of magic blended in. This story will sweep you away from the humdrum of your every day life and shows how love (along with a bit of magic) can overcome all.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Nov 9, 2017

He’s used to being in the driver’s seat…until the girl he rescues makes him lose control.

Shane
Sullivan, a.k.a. the Transporter, channels his need for speed into
top-secret delivery runs for the Hudson Kings, an elite band of
mercenaries. His precious cargo has never talked back—until now. He’s
riding to the rescue of his fellow team member’s sister, who’s fleeing
her abusive boyfriend. His job: steer clear of trouble and get her to
New York City in one piece. But he didn’t count on her driving him to
distraction. Now he needs to keep both hands on the wheel—and off his
best friend’s sister.

Cecily Keegan has a poor track record when
it comes to falling for charming bad guys. So although she’s grateful
for this hard-bodied wheelman’s protection, she’s terrified of listening
to her heart, which has been racing since she got into his backseat.
But when she learns that the danger is far greater than a possessive ex,
she has to trust Shane—because sometimes the bad guys turn out to be
good after all.

* * * * *

First off, let me say that this book is well written. The pacing was smooth and the dialogue spot on which makes for an enjoyable book. I really think that this is a book that a lot of readers will love.

That being said, I didn't fall in love with this book. There was a sense of remove, a glass wall between me and the characters. This really affected my being able to care about the characters which in turn affected the tension that the author was trying to build up. I think that a part of it is the fact that I didn't find it realistic that Cecily is running from an abusive relationship yet is immediately ready to jump right back into one fraught with danger. I have had an abusive relationship in the past and it took me a while to gain back my sense of self worth. Sure I had some rebound flings but those were filled with self doubt. And that self doubt just isn't apparent in her when it comes to Shane.

Like I said, I am sure that many of my readers will enjoy this book and it is the start of a new series so jump into the story of the Hudson Kings from the beginning. This book does contain violence and some rather hot sex scenes so be forewarned.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Nov 8, 2017

London, 1822At
the notorious Hell and Sin Club nestled in London’s dark streets, Niall
Marksman relishes taking the fortunes of the very same society that once
disregarded his existence. Oh yes, Niall has sold his soul to the devil
and paid dearly. It’s only when Lady Diana Verney appears at the
gaming club looking for help that Niall knows that the devil has
finally come to collect…by forcing him to protect the duke’s pampered
daughter.

Disdained by the peerage and ignored by her father,
Diana knows that someone wants to harm her. Her only protection is
Niall, a scarred, intense man who lives and dies by the knife. Now her
life and safety are in the hands of the most dangerous man in London.
But a man raised on the city’s mercenary streets is adept at stealing
anything he wishes—including a lady’s reputation and her heart.

* * * * *

Wow! I read historical romances as a way to escape the stress of everyday living. I achieved that goal in spades with THE LADY'S GUARD.

The tone of this book is darker then I usually run across in this genre being set in both Diana's world of the peerage and the rundown streets around Niall's club. It deals with two people in two entirely different worlds who are more alike then they would have thought. One thing that I really appreciated was how much both Diana and Niall grow and change as they get to know one another.

I do feel that any of my readers that enjoy a good historical romance will love THE LADY'S GUARD. There is some violence as someone is looking to kill Diana. I know that I will definitely keep an eye out for any future releases from Ms. Caldwell.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Nov 6, 2017

Dragon warrior Forge
has been sentenced to death by the Dragonkind elite. Recalling the
memories of his family’s murders could drive him to the edge of
insanity, but it’s the only way to remove the target on his back.
Fiercely determined to protect his pack and his newborn son, Forge
agrees to undergo harrowing treatments to help him remember the trauma
buried deep inside his heart and mind. When nothing works, a woman of
unprecedented power is brought in to help.

Young, bright, and
haunted by her own demons, hypnotherapist Hope Cunningham helps patients
recover from their darkest memories. But each time she liberates a
wayward soul, Hope’s personal pain digs deeper—until one patient ignites
an unforgettable passion.

Forge’s healing journey is not without
risk. Unwittingly, he has put Hope in the middle of a dangerous war,
one that could shatter their eternal bond. Will the curative power of
love be enough to save them?

* * * * *

Let me start off by saying how impressed I was with how well this book stood on its own. It is actually the sixth in the series but I didn't feel lost or left out in the slightest. I really appreciate when authors do such a great job of allowing the book to stand on its own merit. Really encourages me to go pick up the previous books.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Forge is a dreamboat but he does have some attitude issues. He really needed a therapist to help him find his way. The fact that Hope is also his mate just makes everything better. And the secondary characters are well rounded which is another reason that I have to go read their stories.

The author also took some time with the setting of this book. It is set in the Puget Sound which is where I live. You can bet that I would have picked up any discrepancies.

I do feel that any of my readers that enjoy paranormal romance would really enjoy FURY OF SURRENDER. You might even find that you will be searching down the earlier books like I will be. There is some violence in this book but it is usually in dragon form. There is also some sex but nothing that goes overboard.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Nov 1, 2017

Dillon Alexander has
been Kit Derby’s nemesis since third grade, when he beat her in the
school spelling bee. They’ve been competing ever since, driving each
other to be the best at everything from science fairs to bake sales.
While working together one night during their senior year, they stopped
bickering long enough to share an emotionally charged kiss. But a
tragedy that same night left them both racked with guilt, driving Dillon
out of town and leaving Kit determined to keep her distance.

Now
an emergency room physician, Dillon has returned to their hometown of
Chance, Nebraska. Soon he and Kit fall back into old habits, sparring in
public while trying to stay out of each other’s arms. But when a
blizzard traps them overnight at Kit’s grandmother’s farmhouse, the real
competition begins: Who will be the first to give in to the feelings
they’ve denied for a decade?

* * * * *

I have really enjoyed meeting the residents of Chance. Sure they get a lot of tornadoes but it has taught everyone the benefit of working together. Everyone but Kit and Dillon who feel the need to turn everything into a contest between them. That worked well until Dillon moved back home to Chance and is now trying to convince Kit that there is something more between them then competitiveness.

TURNED UP is the third book in the Taking Chances series and I do have to say that it is my favorite. That is in part because of the sparks that fly between Kit and Dillon and in part because I have the opportunity to see how all the other residents are doing. This series has been about about second chances and the power of love which is something that is good to be reminded off time and time again.

I do think that any of my readers who enjoy contemporary romance will enjoy this book as well as the ones preceding it. No real in your face violence but there some rather warm sex scenes.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Oct 30, 2017

Working with Agent Cam Wittier (Insidious)
and New York-based former Special Forces agent Jack Cabot, they must
race against the clock to catch an international criminal and solve the
enigma of the man called John Doe.

When Agent Dillon Savich saves
Kara Moody from a seemingly crazy man, he doesn’t realize he will soon
be facing a scientist who wants to live forever and is using “John Doe”
to help him. But when the scientist, Lister Maddox, loses him, he ups
the stakes and targets another to take his experiments to the next
level.

It’s a race against time literally as Savich and Sherlock
rush to stop him and save both present and future victims of his
experiments. In the meantime, Cam Wittier and Jack Cabot must track a
violent criminal through the Daniel Boone National Forest. When he
escapes through a daring rescue, the agents have to find out who set his
escape in motion and how it all ties into the murder of Mia Prevost,
the girlfriend of the president’s Chief of Staff’s only son, Saxton
Hainny. It’s international intrigue at the highest levels and they know
they have to succeed or national security is compromised.

* * * * *

As much as I love crime drama and romantic suspense, I am not sure how it is that I have managed to never read a book by Ms. Coulter. Especially as she is considered to be the Queen of this genre.

The book was well written with a wonderful blend of suspense leavened with a dash of humor so that the reader can catch their breath. I feel that I was able to get to know the main characters rather well which really impressed me considering that ENIGMA is the twenty-first book in this series. Too many authors by this point in the series tend to slack off of the characters assuming that the readers already know them well. I

In fact, I have to give huge kudos to Ms. Coulter on just how well this book stands on its own. I do now want to read her back story but I didn't find it necessary to enjoy this book. I do feel that any of my readers that haven't been introduced to this series will still enjoy this book. And the followers of this series will love this new addition.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Oct 27, 2017

Sutton and Ethan Montclair’s idyllic life is not as it
appears. The couple seems made for each other, but the truth is ugly.
Consumed by professional and personal betrayals and financial woes, the
two both love and hate each other. As tensions mount, Sutton disappears,
leaving behind a note saying not to look for her.

Ethan finds
himself the target of vicious gossip as friends, family and the media
speculate on what really happened to Sutton Montclair. As the police
investigate, the lies the couple have been spinning for years quickly
unravel. Is Ethan a killer? Is he being set up? Did Sutton hate him
enough to kill the child she never wanted and then herself? The path to
the answers is full of twists that will leave the reader breathless.

* * * * *

LIE TO ME started out as a rather straight forward well written murder mystery but about half way through the book, it turned into so much more. Then it became one of best written crime dramas I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

The pacing is tight and the characters are magnetic even when you are not sure whether they are the good guys or the villains. All the clues fall quite nicely into place. Perhaps a bit too nicely. It sends up having so many false starts and twists that I needed a seat belt for my own safety. I have to warn my readers to not start this book late at night as this is a story that demands to be read in one sitting.

I highly recommend LIE TO ME to any of my readers who enjoy suspense and crime dramas. This is one of the best! There is some sex and violence but nothing too explicit. .

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Oct 26, 2017

Enter a world of immortal danger and desire—and discover an incredible fate borne of blood.

Tendra:One minute, I’m a bartender in gritty Mission City; the next,
I’m whisked away by a vampire named Athan who tells me that I’m the
lifeblood of his clan. It sounds unbelievable, but he’s got evidence I
can’t deny. Turns out, Athan belongs to an underground society of
vampires who feed only on humans with their consent. Their enemies have
no such qualms, and they want me dead. The only thing standing in their
way is strong, sexy Athan. And the closer we get, the more tempted I am
to let Athan feed. . . .

Athan:How could I have known when I snatched this snarky, beautiful human off the streets that she would change my
destiny? As a loyal soldier, I must deliver Tendra to our future
king—my brother. Empowered with the blood of ten generations of the
Gregorie breed, she is fated to rule as our queen. But there’s something
between us that’s so intoxicating, so carnal, I can’t help wanting
Tendra for myself . . . even if it’s treason.

* * * * *

I wasn't expecting much from this book since I found a few editing errors in the first couple chapters. However I didn't take into account Ms. Erickson's magic with characters. I became so invested in Tendra's story that I couldn't put the book down until the very end. And now I am waiting impatiently for the next book in this series.

I really think that my readers who enjoy hot paranormal romance will love this book. I do want to give out a gentle warning that there are explicit sex scenes and violence. If those things are not things that you prefer to avoid in your books, I recommend picking up this very enjoyable book.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Oct 23, 2017

When
North Stone's best friend Kelly Orton is found hanging lifeless in a
tree, North knows for certain it wasn't suicide. Kelly had everything to
live for – a loving boyfriend, a happy life, and most importantly of
all, Kelly would never leave North all by herself.

The girls have
been friends since childhood, devoted to each other, soul sisters, or
at least that's what North has always believed. But did Kelly feel the
same way, or was she keeping secrets from her 'best friend' – deadly
secrets...

When the police refuse to take North's suspicions
seriously, she sets out to investigate for herself. But her search soon
takes her to a glamorous world with a seedy underbelly, and before long
North is out of her depth and getting ever closer to danger. Determined
to find the truth, she soon wishes that dead girls could lie, because
the truth is too painful to believe...

* * * * *

DEAD GIRLS CAN'T LIE is a different type of mystery. It starts off rather slowly and more then once, I considered setting it aside. I am really glad that I didn't however because North grows on you.

North has had issues in the past when her parents disappeared. Heck she still has issues but has managed to pull everything together until Kelly hung herself. She just knows that there is NO way that Kelly would have been out jogging and decide to kill herself. The police won't listen to her so North decides to do her own investigation.

I ended up really enjoying DEAD GIRLS CAN'T LIE once I started to relate to North. She is a good example of what one person can accomplish without the assistance of authorities or even Kelly's boyfriend. I think that my readers who enjoy British mysteries would like this book. Just be prepared for a slow beginning.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Oct 17, 2017

A
rising star in one of London's top art investigation firms, Zara
Leighton's talent for seeing deep into paintings is in her blood. She's
chosen to help track down Icon, an enigmatic international art thief
whose heists are methodical, daring, baffling. To Zara the case is
maddening—bordering on an obsession.

She finds distraction in the
chiseled form of top-shelf client Tobias Wilder, a magnetic American
billionaire who demands her expertise, her discretion—and her secrecy.
Wilder doesn't ask questions. He gives orders. His gaze alone ignites
her deepest fantasies. And his touch…

The sudden whirl of
exclusive exhibitions and decadent parties that Wilder introduces her to
is a potent aphrodisiac. But surrender soon becomes tinged with
suspicion. Is Zara's tryst with Wilder the real thing…or just a
convincing forgery?

* * * * *

I was really looking forward to this book as I love mysteries and romantic suspense. I did find a bit of both in this book however the pace was rather slow. After all, you have to time for all the sex scenes that this book introduces the reader too. In my opinion, this book could do with more plot and less sex. I also found errors in the book that should have been caught by the editor even though spell check would let them by.

I do suggest that my readers pass this book by if they are looking for a romantic suspense. On the other hand, if you are looking for a book that really turns up the heat then THE CHASE is perfect.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Oct 13, 2017

No dirty deed goes unnoticed in a seductive game of cat and mouse. But for Alec and Gaige, the wrong move could get them killed.

Alec
Drummond didn’t make his billions by playing nice—or by playing much at
all. When it comes to pleasure, Alec only has time for whatever is quick
and easy, which is exactly what he gets from his company’s hot new
computer genius. But Gaige Owens isn’t some pushover. He pushes back,
and it’s giving Alec a rush. The question is, could Gaige be the one
who’s leaking trade secrets? Just to be safe, Alec keeps him close at
hand . . . night and day.

Gaige never thought he’d roll
over for a man like Alec again, but who could resist sex this
mind-blowing? Then there’s the draw of Alec’s mysterious side: his
cutthroat ambition, his covert CIA connections, and the murder in his
past. For Gaige, a deeper look proves an irresistible temptation. But
when Gaige and Alec are stripped of their defenses by an unseen danger,
everything they don’t know could bring them closer together—or tear them
apart. Only one thing is certain: Before it’s all over, someone’s going
down.

* * * * *

I really enjoyed DIRTY DEEDS. It is filled with hot men, intrigue, government agencies with letters in their name and lots of hot sex. The pacing is tight even around all the twists and turns. There is also a lot of character growth especially in Alec.

Readers are also given the chance to check back on characters that have appeared in earlier books by Ms. Dimon. It was great to see Seth and to know that his relationship is still working out. The Drummond brothers also appeared in earlier books and I was so glad to see that Alec was given his own book.

That being said, I did find some content errors that might very well have been corrected in the final version. That I can't say as I was given a review arc to read. These errors did pull me out of the story as I tried to puzzle them out. I doubt if they were bother a lot of people but they tend to drive me nuts.

I do think that my readers would enjoy DIRTY DEEDS but I do want to give a gentle warning that there is a lot explicit sex between men so if you have any objections to that, avoid this book. On the same vein if your son or daughter wants to read it, be sure that you check it out first.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Oct 11, 2017

'Why won't Mummy wake up?'
When Anna, a much-loved
teacher and mother of two, is left savagely beaten and in a coma, a
police investigation is launched. News of the attack sends shock waves
through her family and their small Swedish community. Anna seems to have
had no enemies, so who wanted her dead?

As loved-ones wait
anxiously by her bedside, her husband Erik is determined to get to the
bottom of the attack, and soon begins uncovering his wife's secret life,
and a small town riven with desire, betrayal and jealousy.

As
the list of suspects grows longer, it soon becomes clear that only one
person can reveal the truth, and she's lying silent in a hospital bed...

* * * * *

I found WHEN I WAKE UP to be a delightful read. It is filled with so many twists and turns that the reader will need to buckle up to enjoy the ride. Set in Sweden, I loved seeing how their police worked and also enjoyed learning about their different traditions.

Another thing that set this book apart was watching Anna, who is the mother of twins, discover her sexuality when she falls in love with a woman. She tries to weigh whether this is just a fling or is her happiness worth breaking up her marriage and changing the twins' lives.

There were a lot of suspects that all could have easily attacked her for various reasons ranging from jealousy, obsession to love. All of the characters are very well drawn out with all of their strengths and weaknesses.

I do feel that any of my readers who enjoy a good mystery will enjoy WHEN I WAKE UP. Having it set in Sweden definitely adds that little bit of extra to this book. There is both violence and sex so not appropriate for younger readers.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Oct 4, 2017

Emmett
Atwater agrees to leave Earth behind when Babel Communications offers
him a fortune. The catch? He has to launch into deep space to get it.
One of ten selected recruits, Emmett boards the company’s spaceship and
sets course for a planet that Babel has kept hidden from the rest of the
world.

Before long, Emmett discovers that all of Babel’s
recruits have at least one thing in common: they’re broken. Broken
enough that Babel can remold them however it pleases.

Every
training session is a ruthless competition where friendships are tested
and enemies are made. Each recruit must earn the right to travel down to
the planet of Eden—where they will mine nyxia, a substance that has
quietly become the most valuable material in the universe.

But
Babel’s ship is full of secrets. Secrets about the volatile substance
they’re hoping to mine, about the reclusive humanoids already living on
Eden, and about the true intentions for the recruits.

Emmett will
face the ultimate choice: win the fortune at any cost, or find a way to
fight that won’t forever compromise what it means to be human.

* * * * *

Incredible! I have to say that NYXIA is the best book that I have had the pleasure of enjoying in 2017. It is a coming of age story about one teenager, Emmerr Atwater, who has agreed to leave Earth behind so that his mother can get the medical treatment to survive liver cancer.

When he undertakes this journey, he is a street smart punk from Detroit who is pretty sure that he will be one of top contenders that will be sent down to Nyxia. He sees all the others as competition and enemies. He will discover some are enemies but others are friends that will help save his sanity and his life.

This book swept me away! I enjoy character driven sci-fi and this book is top rate. If anything, it reminded me of some of Heinlein's books. It is all about growing up and learning about one's self while competing with both friends and enemies. I really feel that any of my readers who enjoy books focused on the character and how they grow and change will love this book. There is violence but there is also friendship and love so I would recommend this book to readers of all ages.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Oct 2, 2017

From the bestselling author of All Is Not Forgotten comes a thriller about two missing sisters, a twisted family, and what happens when one girl comes back...

One
night three years ago, the Tanner sisters disappeared: fifteen-year-old
Cass and seventeen-year-old Emma. Three years later, Cass returns,
without her sister Emma. Her story is one of kidnapping and betrayal, of
a mysterious island where the two were held. But to forensic
psychiatrist Dr. Abby Winter, something doesn't add up. Looking deep
within this dysfunctional family Dr. Winter uncovers a life where
boundaries were violated and a narcissistic parent held sway. And where
one sister's return might just be the beginning of the crime.

* * * * *

The first thing that comes to mind when I think about this book is Wow!. This has to be one of the surprising thrillers that I have ever read. There are so many twists and turns that take to a conclusion that I didn't and wouldn't have expected.

I found both Cass and Abby to be extremely interesting characters and the pressures that they grew up with make them even more surprising. Not only are there great, well fleshed out characters but the way that their story unfolds will keep you glued to the screen.

I highly recommend EMMA IN THE NIGHT to any of my readers who enjoy a well written thriller with a surprising conclusion. There is some violence and sex but nothing over the top so no need to worry about teenager enjoying this book.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Sep 25, 2017

Nothing is more
important to Blake Anderson than the work he does with his brothers at
Ace Security. At least that’s what he thinks until he meets the fiercely
independent Alexis Grant. The security firm’s new intern pushes all his
buttons—and makes his temperature rise. But giving in to temptation
might be risky business.

Alexis can tell that Blake has his
doubts about her ability to commit. But while most people look at her
and see only a flighty rich girl, she knows he sees much more.
Determined to prove herself to Blake, Alexis jumps at the chance to work
undercover. And when her case takes a dangerous turn, she puts her
trust—and her heart—in his hands.

Now, as Alexis digs into the
deadly secrets of a local gang, Blake will lay everything on the line to
protect the woman he’s come to love.

* * * * *

This series just keeps getting better. Alexis is a very strong woman who will do what is right even though it might put her in danger. And she is so tired to being thought as the stupid little right girl.

Blake is the middle son of the triplets and he really prefers to fade into the background. He's not looking for a relationship but there is just something about Alexis especially when he wasn't able to run her off.

I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of character interaction including with Grace who pops into the story. The tension and danger is delicious, More then once, I was yelling at Alexis to get her butt out of there.

I think that any of my readers who enjoy romantic suspense with a lot of heat between the main characters will enjoy reading CLAIMING ALEXIS.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Sep 22, 2017

For Logan Anderson,
moving on from a traumatic past means moving back to his hometown of
Castle Rock, Colorado, to start a personal-security business with his
brothers. But it’s not long before Logan runs into Grace Mason, his best
friend from high school…and the woman who never answered his letters
during his Army years.

Grace was pleasantly surprised to see Logan
return to Castle Rock, despite their falling-out ten years ago.
Everyone always assumed they would end up together, including Grace, who
had eyes only for him. But as Logan eventually escaped their town,
Grace got pulled further into her family’s controlling grasp—and farther
away from the man she loved.

Now, united by scars both visible
and not, the two must fight to free Grace from the suffocating hold of
her family. But the Masons won’t let go easily—and they’ll do whatever
it takes to keep the couple apart.

* * * * *

I have to admit that I wasn't too sure that I would like this book because of Grace. She had been emotionally abused by her parents all of her life and I just didn't see how she would be able to go from a victim to a strong woman all in one book. Boy was I surprised at her strength once she was out of their control.

Logan also come from a background of abuse from his mother. And I want to give huge kudos to Ms. Stoker for bringing up the fact that women can also be the abusers. This issue is mainly not talked about because most men will not report that they are the ones being abused.

I ended up really enjoying CLAIMING GRACE and am ready to dive into the next book in this series. The characters are all wonderfully developed and I loved watching Grace grow throughout the book. The dialogue is on point and the pacing is tight. I am sure that any of my readers who enjoy romantic suspense will enjoy this book.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

I Needed to Win.They Needed to Die.Sallot
Leon is a thief, and a good one at that. But gender fluid Sal wants
nothing more than to escape the drudgery of life as a highway robber and
get closer to the upper-class—and the nobles who destroyed their home.

When
Sal steals a flyer for an audition to become a member of The Left
Hand—the Queen’s personal assassins, named after the rings she wears—Sal
jumps at the chance to infiltrate the court and get revenge.

But
the audition is a fight to the death filled with clever circus
acrobats, lethal apothecaries, and vicious ex-soldiers. A childhood as a
common criminal hardly prepared Sal for the trials. And as Sal succeeds
in the competition, and wins the heart of Elise, an intriguing scribe
at court, they start to dream of a new life and a different future, but
one that Sal can have only if they survive.

* * * * *

MASK OF SHADOWS is a well written fantasy. Ms Miller does an excellent job of world building to the extent that I could almost smell the stench of the cities that Sal does jobs within. The characters themselves are also very well done. I swear that I would recognize some of them if I met them on the street.

What really sets this book apart from other fantasies is the fact that Sal is gender fluid. I just love how Sal describes it. Sal is a he is he is wear male clothing, a she if wearing a dress and they if the clothing can't be ascribed to either gender. MASK OF SHADOWS is the first fantasy that I have read that addresses this issue and it's an important one as I feel that everyone should be able to be the gender that fits them best.

I do feel that readers who enjoy fantasy will enjoy this book. There is violence within the story but no graphic sex beyond kissing. This is the first book in this series and I can't wait to be able to follow more of Sal's story.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Sep 19, 2017

Catching monsters helps
FBI agent Kate Hayden keep her nightmares at bay. Now an urgent call
brings her back to San Antonio, the scene of her violent past. A brutal
new murder shows hallmarks of a serial killer nicknamed the Samaritan.
Tricky part is, Kate already caught him.

Either Kate made a
deadly error, or she’s got a copycat on her hands. Paired with homicide
detective Theo Mazur, she quickly realizes this murder is more twisted
than it first appeared. Then a second body is found, the mode of death
identical to a different case that Kate thought she’d put behind her.

Now
Kate and Detective Mazur aren’t just working a homicide; the
investigative pair is facing a formidable enemy who knows Kate
intimately. While Mazur is personally trying to protect Kate, the closer
they are drawn to the killer, the clearer it becomes that in this
terrifying game, there is only one rule: don’t believe everything you
see…

* * * * *

THE LAST MOVE is a particularly delicious crime drama with so many twists and turns that a seat belt is required. Kate Hayden is so accustomed to putting everything into her work that she comes across as being emotionless which is far from the truth. Theo Mazur wasn't too sure about calling in the FBI until he meets Kate. They have really good chemistry right from the start though it is subdued.

I don't want to give anything away about the story but I do have to say that I was glued to the page right from the very beginning. And the ending was as satisfying as the beginning with a conclusion that I didn't see coming at all. This book was written as a stand alone but I am crossing my fingers for more as I would love to be able to keep up with Kate and Theo.

I think that any of my readers who enjoy suspense or crime dramas will love this book. It has it all; great characters, witty dialogue, well paced plot and a stunning conclusion. Be sure check out THE LAST MOVE.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Sep 18, 2017

Maggie Gaines used to be
an FBI agent—top of her class and one of the bright, up-and-coming
stars—until she spectacularly fell apart during her first high-profile
case. That was eight years ago. Now she’s a ranger at Glacier National
Park, and she’s found some measure of peace. But when the body of a
murdered woman is discovered, she must finally put the past behind her
and work with the one man she thought she’d never see again.

For
months, Vic Sutherland has been hunting a killer who’s been targeting
unsuspecting hikers in national parks—and now the predator has come to
Glacier. Vic knows the case will bring him face-to-face with his former
partner, yet nothing can prepare him for seeing Maggie again after all
these years, or for the memories of passion it stirs in both of them.

As
the investigation brings them closer together—and closer to the
killer—Maggie and Vic fear they have only each other to trust. But even
that might not be enough to make it out of Glacier alive.

* * * * *

Now I am an indoor person. Never seen any reason to subject myself to all the bugs that call the outdoors home. However after reading all the gorgeous descriptions that Ms. Roberts has put into her book has me rethinking my stance on the great outdoors.

Maggie has been carrying baggage since her time in the BAU including how her and Vic parted. She has found peace working in the Park Service but when dead bodies start showing up, she is going to have to rethink her peace especially when Vic shows up to work the case. There is a definite tension between Maggie and Vic which could effect them working together unless they manage to get all under control.

Along with the drama between the main characters, there is also an unsub who is extremely comfortable out in the wilderness. An unsub who seems to stay one step ahead of everyone hunting him. This fact kept me on the edge of my seat and glued to the pages.

I recommend THE HUNTING GROUNDS to any of my readers who enjoy a well written romantic suspense with taut pacing, good dialogue, great characters and a surprising conclusion. I somehow missed the first book in this series and I plan on going back to catch up.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Sep 16, 2017

While investigating the hit-and-run death of a young boy, Seattle homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite makes a startling discovery: the suspect is an active-duty serviceman at a local naval base. After a key piece of case evidence goes missing, he is cleared of charges in a military court. But Tracy knows she can’t turn her back on this kind of injustice.

When she uncovers the driver’s ties to a rash of recent heroin overdoses in the city, she realizes that this isn’t just a case of the military protecting its own. It runs much deeper than that, and the accused wasn’t acting alone. For Tracy, it’s all hitting very close to home.

As Tracy moves closer to uncovering the truth behind this insidious conspiracy, she’s putting herself in harm’s way. And the only people she can rely on to make it out alive might be those she can no longer trust.

* * * * *

There is no way around it. I love this series! It is set locally to myself in Seattle so I recognize the places that Tracy is investigating. I also really enjoy the camaraderie and caring of the team she works with. Kins, Del, Tracy and Faz are all wonderfully developed characters. They have all grown so much.

In CLOSE TO HOME, there are actually two different cases that end up merging into one. Cases that involve the military and span from Kitsap county up to Seattle. This book also brings in to focus a crisis that is occurring across the US. The tension is high with little breaks to catch your breath, the dialogue is on point and the conclusion surprising.

As I am sure you can guess, I highly recommend this book. Heck, I highly recommend this series. I think that any of my readers who enjoy crime drama or police procedurals. I can hardly wait for the next book.

** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Sep 14, 2017

Being broke, unemployed, and stranded back in the tiny town of Pick, Texas, was not part of Jancy Wilson’s plan. Yet here she is, watching her car literally go up in smoke—along with her last-ditch hope of staying with her cousin in Louisiana. When Jancy spies a Help Wanted sign hanging in the window of the quaint Strawberry Hearts Diner, the memories of the two years she spent there as a teenager—and the lure of the diner’s beloved strawberry tarts—are enough to draw her in and plant her feet…but only temporarily.

Raised by parents who refused to settle anywhere for long, Jancy has never known what it is to have roots. Now that Jancy’s swept up by the warmth and character of this quirky little community—and by the pull of an old crush—it’s beginning to feel like home. She’s making friends and even discovering the sweetness of falling in love. But when the town is threatened, Jancy knows it will take more than its legendary tarts to save it. Can she fight for this little Texas town—knowing she might not stay forever?

* * * * *

This is book that just warmed my heart as it shows how our past shapes us but doesn’t need to define us. And it features four strong women of three different generations. I really liked Jancy, Emily, Vicky and Nettie. They are willing to stand up for themselves and their town. I also liked the town of Pick and the chance to meet the townspeople. Pick has a strong identity for such a small burg because of those folks and their traditions.

Now as you can tell, I very much enjoyed my time in Pick and Ms. Brown has done a wonderful job with the pacing, the descriptions and the dialogue. It was wonderful to watch the characters change and grow. My only issue at all is the fact that there is a lot of head hopping. And often with no warning leaving the reader floundering for a few seconds try to decipher just which of the women is thinking or talking.

I do think that my readers would very much enjoy THE STRAWBERRY HEARTS DINER if they enjoy contemporary romance set in a small town. I am really hoping that this was just the first book in a series.

** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Sep 12, 2017

As
a captain in the army, Colin MacHugh led men, fixed what was broken,
and fought hard. Now that he's a titled gentleman, he's still
fighting-this time to keep his bachelorhood safe from all the
marriage-minded debutantes. Then he meets the intriguing Miss Anwen
Windham, whose demure nature masks a bonfire waiting to roar to life.
When she asks for his help to raise money for the local orphanage, he's
happy to oblige.

Anwen is amazed at how quickly Lord Colin takes
in hand a pack of rambunctious orphan boys. Amazed at how he actually
listens to her ideas. Amazed at the thrill she gets from the rumble of
his Scottish burr and the heat of his touch. But not everyone enjoys the
success of an upstart. And Colin has enemies who will stop at nothing
to ruin him and anybody he holds dear.

* * * * *

TOO SCOT TO HANDLE has everything that I look for in a historical romance. There is a very intelligent and feisty heroine, a hero that prizes her for her individuality and a villain that is determined to get his way. This book has the added benefits of some interesting orphans and Anwen's family who have appeared before.I really enjoyed this book and was more then willing to get up some sleep to race to the satisfying conclusion. Ms Burrowes has done her usual superb job with both the characters and taking her reader back to an earlier time in England's history. I really feel that my readers who enjoy a historical romance with a bit of heat and heartwarming characters will love this book. *** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

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About Me

Living the dream in the beautiful state of Washington. I am the owner of Shaiha Designs, am an avid reader, and run herd on my husband and a variety of cats and dogs. I am very much a tea snob and enjoy sharing my opinion on all types of subjects.